2010 Challenge to Educational Citizenship Award Winner - Platt High School

Platt High School, under the direction of DECA teacher Dianne Vumback, was the recipient of the prestigious "2010 Challenge to Educational Citizenship Award". Out of over 150 applications, ten statewide winners were chosen. The Commissioner of Education, Dr. Mark K. McQuillan, presented plaques to students after they made a brief presentation on their community service project - congratulating all students on "making a better world for our future."

As part of Platt's core values and beliefs, we want our students to graduate as contributing members of society. Bianca Carrero, Michelle Gansley, and Kara Robinson were recognized for their work benefiting the Autism Community. There project, "Be a Piece of the Puzzle", encouraged students to get involved. While Platt DECA gave these student leaders the opportunity to do something positive in their own community, it was their work ethic, problem solving skills, values, creativity, and passionate spirit that allowed them to excel. They exhibited the exemplary characteristics needed to make a difference in the world.

Hicks Essay and Speaking Contest

The Platt English Department hosted the Annual Hicks Essay and Speaking Contest on Thursday, May 20, 2010. Hicks Contest Essay Winners : 1st Place - Casey Camire – When I Learned to Love Learning and Why Such a Love is Pretty Important; 2nd Place - Ben Axelrod – All I Need is a Little Respect; 3rd Place - Chris Ward – Talis Qualis; 4th Place - Ben Gadwah – Relativity of Time; Speech Winners : 1st Place – Josina James – Can I Pet Your Dog?; 2nd Place – Hilary Rolstone – Why We Do It; 3rd Place – Ben Axelrod – Running Life by Robert's Rules; 4th Place – Casey Camire – Procrastination: Is Tomorrow Okay?

National Honor Society

The 2010 induction ceremony of the Anna T. Doyle Chapter of the National Honor Society at O. H. Platt High School was held on Thursday, May 6th in the PHS Library...Click here to view the students who were inducted in to the NHS.

Project Excel Underclass Awards

On Thursday, April 8th the Meriden Federation of Teachers and Platt High School honored the following students as Project Excel Underclass Award winners! Click here to see this year's recipients and read more about The Project Excel Award.

Unified Track Team Brings Home Silver

The Platt High School Unified Track Team won the silver medal in it's first ever track meet. The meet was held at Plainville High School. The panthers was lead by the speedy performances of Ryan Eno, Jeremy DeJesus, Oliver Delcore, Alison Battista, Kadeesha Stokes and Emma Daley in the 4 by 200 and 4 by 100 Relays. Brody Neilson and Alex Papallo were outstanding in the Shot Put and Mini Javalin Throw. The next meet will be held at West Haven High School on June 2nd at 3pm. Way to go team, we are very proud of you!

The CAS-CIAC McDonalds Scholar Athletes Honored

Congratulations are in order for Amanda Rivers and Manny Rivera. They represented Platt at the CAS-CIAC McDonalds Scholar Athlete Banquet on May 2nd at the Aqua Turf. Each high school in the state of Connecticut was represented, over all 337 student athletes were honored for their dedication to academics and athletics. What an honor!

Youth and Government Receives High Marks at State Convention

What an amazing weekend! Our students did an incredible job debating, writing, arguing, and campaigning! The Meriden Delegation is the backbone of Youth and Government, we are the second largest delegation, but our delegates positive attitudes, behavior and professionalism make them number 1.

The Meriden Delegation has a great history at Youth and Government. We are the oldest delegation. We have a time honored tradition of professionalism, great bills, officers and amazing debaters. Casey Camire as Secretay of State ran the political process of elections and voter registration.

His office moves bills with the help of Casey Watts and Jasmine Ortiz. The Press Corp made up of Kate Mordarski, Melanie Blain, Ruchi Sheth, Amy Brazauski, Erin O'Neil and Devon Rooks kept the delegates up on the inside scoop of bills, drama in the houses, and the candidates. In the Youth and Law program, Jordan Adams and Alyssa Roberts made it to the semi-finals presenting their case to local judges. Ben Axelrod ran the Senate as Pro Temp. Kevin "Richard" Buonanni won the award for best debater in the Charter Oak Senate. Thirty five bills made it to the Governors desk for signature nine were vetoed. The bills that were vetoed were Jenette Schiopucie’s and Sam Prescotts bill on "Fair Trials for Youthful Offenders". Their bill for "cell phone usage in schools" was also vetoed. Melanie Blains bill for "Full Day Kindergarten", John Moore's "Welfare" bill, and Jocelyn Grady and Alyssa Sola's bill on "Banning Tobacco for Minors" bill were also vetoed. Jocelyn and Alyssa's bill was also up for best bill in the Charter Oak House. Close to 300 bills are debated throughout the weekend, so for a bill to pass in the Senate and the House is an accomplishment, for the bill to even reach the Governor's desk for a veto stamp is also an accomplishment. Out of the twenty six bills that were signed into law by the Governor, seven came from the Meriden Delegation and five of those from the Platt group. Virginia Calistro's (Maloney) bill on "Labeling Calories on Restaurant Menu’s,” Brandon Cosenza's (Maloney) bill on the “Reducing the Controversy between Student Employees and Student Athletes,” Tina Dutra’s bill "Animals Cannot be in the Laps of Drivers (Motor Vehicle Safety)," Dylan Cardona's bill "Workman's Comp for Judicial Marshalls," Kevin Buonanni's bill about "Using Force Against Home Invaders," Alyssa Robert's bill on "Stricter DUI Punishments for First Time Offenders," Liz Tencza's and Jo James' bill on "Health Care Policies” are now law in the Youth and Government Program.

Special Thanks to Ms. Roman, Mr.Petit and Board of Education member Kevin Scarpati for stopping by and seeing the political process!!!! Please check out the Record-Journal today in the Local and State section and read the article about the program.

Gus Robotics Wins Championship Awards (AGAIN)

Congratulations to Gus Robotics! Recently, Gus Robotics attended a Connecticut VEX Robot Competition. Team 228 had two awesome robots that competed at the event. Both robots made it to the finals and won! The two VEX robot teams won a total of four awards at the competition. Two of the awards were Championship Awards, One Drivers Skills Award, and the Innovate Award. Now both VEX Robot teams will be going to Dallas, TX in April to compete at the World Championship. Way to go Team 228! For more information check out our website : www.team228.org

Damika Martinez Breaks School Record With 44 points

Junior Damika Martinez scored 44 points (31pts in the second half) to lead the lady panthers over Wilby by a score of 66 - 47 in the first round of the CIAC tournament. Damika was the youngest player to reach 1000 career points earlier this season.

Music Students Qualify for Regional Competition.

The following students qualified for the Southern Regional choir and band. From choir - Leslie Ramirez, Louise Carrozza, Matt Hubbard and Jordan Adams. Cassie Camire qualified for band.

Gus Robotics Undefeated in Worcester will Travel to World Vex Championship in Dallas

Gus Robotics recently attended a VEX Robot competition in Worcester, Ma. on Saturday, December 5, 2009. There was 43 teams from around New England at the event. Gus Robotics went undefeated in all 11 matches! The final match was 140-30. As a result of the extraordinary win and success, Gus Robotics will be going to Dallas Texas in April to compete at the World Vex Championship.

Panthers Beat Maloney 33 -23

Kyle Laurendeau threw four touchdowns, two to Josh Budwitz, one to Kahari Davis, and one to Tyshon Shields for the panthers second straight Stoddard Bowl win. Defense was lead by Joey Quilty, Travaughn Morgan, David Silvia, and Henry Jackson. Joey Quilty had a fumble recovery, Josh Budwitz had two interceptions, Tyshon Shields had an interception. Juan Velazquez recovered a fumble for a 65 yd touchtown for the final touchdown of the game.
Stoddard Bowl Awards: Co MVP's: Josh Budwitz and Kyle Laurendeau
Defensive Player of the Game: Joey Quilty
Underclassman Award: Tyshon Shields
Greatest Coach Ever: Jason Bruenn and his staff

Platt Student win big in Rotory Essay and Speaking Contest

On December 2, 2009, Platt High School students swept the Four Way Test Speaking Contest and took first and second in the essay competition. Meriden Rotary Speaking Contest results are as follows:
1st Place Kate Mordarski (PHS), 2nd Place Jose Brocero (PHS) and 3rd Place Jordan Adams (PHS). In the Meriden Rotary Essay Contest : 1st Place Kate Mordarski (PHS), 2nd Place Jose Brocero (PHS) and 3rd Place Kaitlyn Dyrek (MHS).Special thanks to our Judges, great job by all! Judges for the Essay Contest: Marcia Trotta, Peter Melien, Jim Ieronimo, Frank Ridley and Mary Cortright. Judges for the Speaking Contest: Cliff Carlson President Meriden Rotary Club, Gerard Adelman Superior Court Judge, Kevin Curry Past President Meriden Rotary Club
Liz White Record-Journal, Joanne Bugai Interm Director Middlesex Community College Meriden Campus.

THANK YOU TO CLASS OF '65!!!

Thank you to the class of 1965. This class made a donation of $1100.00 to our athletic department. Thank you for giving back to your alma mater.

Platt Freshmen Football Beat Maloney

The Platt freshman football team beat their crosstown rivals handily by a score of 46-6 at Falcon Field last night. Justin Potts ran for 5 TDs and threw one to Wes Beasley. The offense was led by hard- hitting Lee Moore, John Melendez, Luis Gonzalez and Alfredo Nieves. The defense was led by AJ Jackson, Branden Crespo, Eli Aliaga, and Wes Beasley. Thank you to all students and faculty who attended the game!

CT Innovation Expo 1st Place Winners

Great news from the CT Innovation Expo on Saturday, May 9th at the Hartford Convention Center! Out of the five awards in their category given out at the, Platt High School won one of them. Platt received first place in the Best Expo Booth against 30 other schools from around the state. The students will receive an engraved plaque and a $250 cash award. Check out the student project at www.eliteace.org , Be sure to click the Play our game link to see a portion of the video game our students created.
In addition to winning an award at their first Governor’s Challenge Expo, students met and received compliments on their project from Lewis Pugh, the first man to have swum in every ocean in the world and the first to complete a long distance swim in the North Pole. Lewis was impressed on the student’s project of Ocean conservation and shared his personal stories of how he has seen the ocean deteriorate over the years. http://www.lewispugh.com

Students will receive their award in a small ceremony at a date to be announced. Thanks to all who have supported us through the year long project.

Congratulations Platt Band - Winner of the Best Marching Band in the Daffodil Parade!

National Honor Society Announces
New Inductees

The Achievements Page is designed to recognize our scholars and club awards! Honor Roll, Project Excel Awards, Art Awards, Music Awards, and Academic Achievement are just a few of the awards and honors at Platt High School.

If you received an award or recognition let us know about it. Faculty, please inform us of any achievements that should be posted. All information should be given to Mrs. DiPace.